A seven-day facility quarantine is mandatory for people exiting high-risk areas. They undergo the COVID-19 protocol in hotels identified as facility quarantine. But for the cattle herders returning to their summer habitat from Samtse, the quarantine period will be spent in the jungles of the south.
Saddled up and ready, it is about time for the cattle, horses, and their herders to begin their journey up north from Samtse. Their destination – the grazing grounds in Haa.
This tradition of migrating from Haa to Samtse during the winter months and back to Haa for the summer months has been going on for time immemorial. And today, during the first day of migration, three herds, which have about 300 horses and cattle, are going back.
“Our elders used to say, four summer months and eight winter months. Eight winter months means that we will spend eight months in Samtse after summer grazing of four months in Haa,” said Nidup, a Cattle Herder from Haa.
But this year, there are formalities to complete for the journey. The herders must ensure they undergo a seven-day quarantine in the jungle before coming in contact with the people of Haa. And as they start their journey, they take an antigen test to rule out COVID-19.
“We are grateful to the Government for all these arrangements. This pandemic has troubled everyone. His Majesty has been most concerned for us and has been visiting different places. We are deeply grateful,” said Namgay Tshering, also from Haa.
All the herders leaving Samtse are briefed about the COVID-19 protocols before their journey.
“The health officials briefed us. After here, we will enter Sertena under Gakiling Gewog in Haa. We were told to be on our way and not to mingle with anyone on the way. And we have no business to mingle with anyone either. We used to hang about in the villages along the way, but given the situation, today, we should not and we will not as well,” added Nidup.
In consultation with the National COVID-19 Task Force, the COVID-19 Task Force of Dorokha and Haa are coordinating the migration protocols.
“Today is the first day of migration. But all the herders have their timings to migrate north. We do have a manpower shortage but we have a list of the herders with their departure dates. So, according to the dates given, we will make sure they start their migration without any hindrances,” said Karma Jurmi, the Dorokha Dungpa under Samtse.
Starting today, 30 herders with more than 2,100 cattle and horses will make their way back to Haa in the coming month; only to return when cold grips the northern hills, sometime in September.
Sherub Dorji, Samtse
